ZMod and ADUs: A solution in search of a problem
A backyard cottage in Portland, Ore. (Image by linamenard licensed under Creative Commons) By Craig J. Blakeley Usually a change in a law is proposed in order to address some new issue or problem that was not envisioned when the law was first adopted. But that is not the case with respect to the new … Continued
Face coverings to be required on Metro, Connector buses
Beginning Monday, May 18, face coverings will be required on Metro trains, Metrobuses, Metro stations, and Fairfax Connector buses. Face coverings can include bandanas, scarves, neck gaiters, or homemade masks. Up to now, face coverings on local transit was strongly recommended. Now it is a requirement as Metro moves toward an eventual recovery with more … Continued
Community celebrates 97th birthday of Vince Guidi, Annandale’s first paid firefighter
Vince and Jeanne Guidi A parade of firetrucks, ambulances, and dozens of cars cruised by the home of former Annandale firefighter Vince Guidi on Annandale Road May 13 in honor of his 97th birthday. Guidi started volunteering at the Annandale Volunteer Fire Department, Company 8. in 1944 and was hired as the first paid firefighter … Continued
Libraries offer extensive digital services
George Mason Library is closed but lots of online resources available from Fairfax County Public Libraries. All Fairfax County Public Libraries remain closed until further notice, but there are plenty of digital programs under way for all ages, including yoga, book discussions, kids’ crafts, and more. (Many of these events are listed on the blog … Continued
Annandale community invited to honor Polish-American World War II veteran
The community is invited to join a “drive by” display of appreciation and remembrance on Saturday for a Polish World War II veteran who lives in Annandale. The event will honor Col. Romuald Lipinski, age 95, on the eve of the 76th anniversary of the Battle of Monte Cassino, of which he played a significant … Continued
FCPS weighs options for fall and for graduation
Signs like these are cropping up all over. The Fairfax County School Board reviewed three possible scenarios for the 2020-21 school year at a May 11 work session. Meanwhile, a state-level COVID-19 Education Task Force plans to issue policy guidance in June on the conditions for reopening schools. The three possibilities considered for fall 2020 … Continued
Summer concerts in parks canceled for June
The amphitheater at Mason District Park usually draws a big crowd for Spotlight by Starlight shows. The Fairfax County Park Authority has canceled the summer entertainment series through the end of June, due to the need to maintain social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. That includes the Spotlight by Starlight performances at Mason District Park … Continued
Fairfax County supervisors approve new grant program for small businesses
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors created a new $25 million grant program May 12 to assist small businesses and nonprofits affected by COVID-19. The Fairfax Relief Initiative to Support Employers (Fairfax RISE) is funded by the county’s allocation from the federal CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act. Fairfax RISE will offer grants to … Continued
Northam delays Phase I of reopening plan for Northern Virginia
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam issued an executive order May 12 stating that localities in Northern Virginia can delay Phase I of the state’s plan to ease restrictions put in place to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Northam had previously announced that Phase I, which allows non-essential businesses, barbershops, hair salons, and places of … Continued
Annandale Hair Cuttery closing permanently
The Hair Cuttery in the Little River Shopping Center. The Hair Cuttery at 7404 Little River Turnpike in Annandale is closing permanently. The Ratner Cos., which owns Hair Cuttery and other salons, had been struggling financially before the coronavirus pandemic. In January the company announced it would close 10 percent of its locations. … Continued
Metro plans a slow recovery
It’s going to be a long time before Metro draws big crowds like this. Metro plans to gradually ramp up service as the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, with full service not totally restored until a treatment or vaccine is available. Metro’s Board of Directors plans to discuss the system’s recovery strategy on May 14. The plan … Continued
Annandale loses a beloved doctor: Farewell Steve Perez
Dr. Perez with the employees at the Medical Center of Annandale. Dr. Steven John Perez, a long-time Annandale doctor, who died on May 7 from COVID-19, is fondly remembered by his many patients. There are more than 100 comments and messages of condolence posted on Nextdoor. Patients praised his kindness, wit, listening skills, and ability … Continued
Men arrested after stabbing incident in Seven Corners
Dohoond (left) and Ostorga [FCPS] Two men were arrested by Fairfax County Police after a stabbing indicent in the 6200 block of Wilson Boulevard in Seven Corners shortly after 11 p.m. on May 10. Three men were involved in a physical fight in a parking lot. One man who was stabbed was treated for a … Continued
Stuff the Bus returns to Annandale and Bailey’s Crossroads
The Stuff the Bus campaign is coming back on two days this month to collect food donations to meet the needs of people struggling financially during the COVID-19 pandemic. But this time, instead of having the Fastran buses park in supermarket parking lots, the buses will be at less-frequented lots throughout Fairfax County. Stuff the … Continued
Community leaders urge supervisors to not make decisions on land use during virtual meetings
A virtual Board of Supervisors meeting in April. Representatives of 18 community associations and 74 individuals signed on to a letter to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors urging them to hold off on making decisions about land use during the pandemic when residents don’t have a chance for meaningful engagement. The May 7 letter … Continued